Volodymyr Zelensky with Joe Biden
Ukraine and the United States have agreed to begin collaborative weapons production, allowing Kyiv to begin developing air defence systems, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Friday as he concluded a visit to the United States.
Zelensky noted in his daily speech to Ukrainians that the long-term accord would build jobs and a new industrial foundation in Ukraine, whose economy had been destroyed by Russia’s invasion and conflict.
Zelensky stated, “It was a very important visit to Washington, very important results”.
He went on to say, “And a long-term agreement – we will work together so that Ukraine produces the necessary weapons together with the United States”.
“Co-production in the defence (sector) with the United States is a historic thing”, Zelensky continued.
Kyiv has increased efforts to strengthen domestic weapons production as much as possible since the 19-month war has produced a significant demand for armaments and ammunition to stave off Russian strikes along a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line. Russian air strikes in Ukraine have caused significant devastation and killed a large number of civilians.
According to Zelensky, the Ministry for Strategic Industries, which controls Ukrainian weapons manufacture, has inked collaboration agreements on future possible work in Ukraine with three associations representing over 2,000 defense US businesses.
“We are preparing to create a new defence ecosystem with the United States to produce weapons to strengthen further freedom and protect life together”, Zelensky added, without providing any information.
Ukraine is significantly reliant on Western military assistance. To lessen reliance, Zelensky and his team have advocated for domestic defense sector reforms to modernize domestic producers and enhance supply to the front lines.
Zelensky previously stated that Kyiv will soon host an international armaments production forum, with companies from over 20 nations invited.
The government is also reforming its primary weapons manufacturer, Ukroboronprom, in order to improve transparency, increase production capacity, and enable it to work more aggressively with Western companies.
Ukraine has already committed to many collaborative projects with central European manufacturers to repair Ukrainian tanks and other vehicles, as well as to develop drone and missile production.
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